PM MODI BECOMES FIRST NON-BHUTANESE TO RECEIVE BHUTAN'S HIGHEST CIVILIAN AWARD

 

The Indian Prime Minister arrived in Thimphu on Friday for his two-day visit at the invitation of his Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay. He was given this honor by Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk in Thimphu.

Recognition Received:

1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi became the first non-Bhutanese to be honored with the Order of the Druk Gyalpo, Bhutan's highest civilian award.
2. Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck conferred the award on PM Modi during his two-day state visit to Thimphu, Bhutan.

Historic Moment:

1. PM Modi is also the first foreign head of government to receive this prestigious civilian honour, which highlights the close ties between India and Bhutan.
2. This award is a symbol of the enduring friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

Significance of the Award:

1. The Order of the Druk Gyalpo is the highest honor for lifetime achievement in Bhutan, surpassing all other orders, decorations and medals.
2. This reflects the extraordinary contribution and leadership of PM Modi in strengthening bilateral relations and promoting regional cooperation.

Previous Recipients:

1. Notable recipients of the award include Her Majesty the Royal Queen Grandmother Ashi Kesang Choden Wangchuck, His Holiness Je Thrizur Tenzin Dendup, and His Holiness Je Khenpo Trulku Ngawang Jigme Choedra.
2. The award is given to individuals who have made significant contributions to Bhutanese society and culture.

Symbol of Friendship:

1. This recognition by PM Modi highlights the deep ties of friendship and mutual respect between India and Bhutan.
2. This is a historic moment in bilateral relations and further strengthens the strategic partnership between the two countries.

INDIA-BHUTAN RELATIONS India and Bhutan have a strong bond of friendship based on mutual trust, goodwill, and cooperation. The two countriesestablished diplomatic relations in January 1968 with the establishment of an office in Thimphu. The two countries also share a 376-mile border.   The two countries signed the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation in 1949, which established the basic framework of their bilateral relations. Bhutan was also one of the first countries to recognize India's independence in 1947.   India is Bhutan's largest trading partner, accounting for 98% of Bhutan's exports and 90% of its imports. India has provided significant assistance to Bhutan's socio-economic development since 1961, when Bhutan launched its first Five Year Plan.   The two countries have a free trade regime and signed a Trade and Commerce Agreement in 1972. The agreement was renewed for 10 years in 2006.

 

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